Laban Searching for His Images c. 18th century

Editor: This print, "Laban Searching for His Images" by Benedetto Eredi, presents a really interesting scene with a lot of figures. I'm struck by the way the artist uses line to create texture. What compositional elements stand out to you? Curator: The linear quality certainly dominates. Notice how Eredi employs hatching and cross-hatching to build form and suggest tonal variation across the composition. Consider the effect of this technique on the viewer's eye as it moves across the picture plane, activating the space. Editor: So the technique itself, more than any narrative, is key? Curator: Precisely. It is the formal relationship between line, tone, and composition that constitutes the artwork's primary mode of expression. The narrative serves as a vehicle, but the artistic merit resides in the visual relationships. Editor: I see what you mean. It's like the story is secondary to the artistic choices. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: Indeed. Looking closely at the artist's technique reveals the essence of the work.